The Birth of Dungeons Dragons: Origins and Origins

Dungeons Dragons (DD) is often heralded as one of the most influential role-playing games in history, but was it truly an original concept when it first appeared? Let's delve into the roots of this iconic game and explore its origins.

1. The Evolution of Dungeons Dragons

The original version of Dungeons Dragons was less a standalone game and more of an expansion set for Chainmail, a medieval wargame published in 1971. Chainmail in turn expanded on the 1967 publication Siege of Bodenburg. Chainmail’s 14-page fantasy supplement would later form the foundation of what would become DD.

The first 'expansions' that would evolve into Dungeons Dragons were published in 1974, assuming players were familiar not only with Chainmail but also Outdoor Survival. Three key supplement books made up the original DD: Men Magic, Monsters Treasure, The Underworld Wilderness Adventures. Additional supplements, such as Swords Spells, were added later and are often considered essential to the system.

The first standalone Dungeons Dragons set, known as the “White Box,” was released in 1976. This included the aforementioned books along with additional material that is now considered essential. According to the official count, there are a total of nine of these official 'supplement' books.

2. The Question of Originality

The question of whether Dungeons Dragons was truly original depends on your perspective. From a gaming industry standpoint, DD built on the tradition of wargaming. Both the founders, Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax, created DD from house rules for a wargame they were playing. The first publisher was called Tactical Studies Review, a nod to the origins of the game in wargaming strategy.

However, the impact of DD on the gaming world was significant. Children who had been playing make-believe for ages now had a game that allowed them to imagine in a new and different realm. The introduction of a fantasy world where players could create unique characters and explore uncharted territories marked a significant shift in the gaming landscape. While the fantasy genre had roots in other works, such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, DD brought these elements together in a revolutionary new package.

Conclusion: In my opinion, Dungeons Dragons was indeed original, as it provided a unique and innovative gaming experience that transformed the way people played RPGs. While it was not an entirely original concept, it certainly was a groundbreaking one that has left an indelible mark on the world of gaming.